Are donkeys smart? Donkey intelligence is a real thing, and measuring it better might save them from extinction.

Researchers can now measure donkey intelligence, which may help farmers breed donkeys with the traits that humans consider most useful.

Is donkey intelligence something that can be tested?

Measuring animal IQ scores has been a topic of interest to researchers for more than a century.

In 1883, for example, the journal Nature wrote about the intelligence of cats and chickens.

In recent years, researchers have studied the IQs of chimpanzees, dolphins, elephants, dogs, pigs, horses, raccoons, rodents, parrots, pigeons, lizards, snakes, turtles, fish, and spiders, to name just a few.

The latest animal to join this club is the Equus asinus.

Researchers in Spain and the United States have now come up with a test that measures donkey IQ.

What This Article Will Teach You

Past glories: donkeys as elite animals

As the researchers explain in their recent paper, donkeys were once considered elite animals.

This was especially true in the Egypt of 5,000 years ago.

But their reputation has declined considerably since then.

Even the works of Homer and Aesop portray donkeys as stupid, stubborn, servile, and low-status.

This is especially true in contrast to horses, which were seen as exalted and beautiful.

Many languages also reflect this low status, with many derogatory words for donkey (like “asinine”).

Even the title of this current paper (“Dumb or smart asses?”) playfully refers to this lowly history.

And that matters, because the way we represent animals also influences our treatment of them.

Donkeys have been dutifully carrying our stuff for millennia, but get little respect in return.

Although about 40 million donkeys now live throughout the world, their importance as pack animals has dropped.

In fact, the Spanish government currently categorizes the Andalusian donkey as an endangered breed. That breed happens to be the one studied in the current research paper.

Donkey intelligence makes them popular therapy animals

It’s tragic for any animal to face extinction, but it’s especially unfortunate in this case.

Donkeys have been growing increasingly popular as “therapy animals,” especially for autistic children. The researchers refer to the donkeys’ “empathic nature,” which owes much to the way have evolved to interact with humans.

And that’s where the donkey IQ test comes in: learning more about donkey’s cognitive skills means that people can breed donkeys with the traits that make them maximally desirable as therapy animals. 

Are donkeys smart? Assessing donkey intelligence

Are donkeys smart? Yes, they are.

In fact, the study’s authors came up with a list of 13 traits that can be used to measure just how smart an individual donkey is.

Those traits include things like memory, trainability, concentration, and curiosity.

The list was developed In consultation with donkey breeders, who certainly know a thing or two about donkey intelligence.

The team then devised a task — think of it as a “donkey IQ test” — that allowed them to rate about 300 donkeys on each of these 13 traits, on a scale of 1 to 5.

The task involved placing a cloth in front of the donkey and observing how it reacted, both with and without prompts. Depending on the situation, the donkey had to walk across the cloth, walk around it, stand on it, etc.

The researchers found significant positive correlations between almost all of the cognitive traits they measured, ranging from 0.12 (the correlation between alertness and dependence) to 0.81 (between memory and trainability).

So how smart are donkeys? Like with humans, some are smarter than others

And these correlations mean that something akin to a g factor, or general intelligence, also applies to donkeys.

The “low IQ” donkeys, for example, tended to share a cluster of traits that included being difficult to train, uncooperative, and less able to memorize an assigned task.

As the researchers put it, “Our results provide some of the first evidence that an analogous factor to human g may underpin cognitive performance in donkeys and account for a similar distribution in the human population.” 

Their results also suggest that donkey intelligence follows the same Gaussian distribution found in human IQ.

Genetically, the heritabilities of these 13 traits ranged from 0.06 (for dependence) to 0.38 (for the ability of the donkeys to enter or leave their stables).

Breeding for desirable traits

This knowledge lets breeders select for donkeys that are more easily trainable, more willing to cooperate, easier to handle, and more likely to remember new tasks. In other words, an intelligent donkey is what both breeders and farmers prefer.

The researchers add that as they amass more data, they will probably discover more factors.

And these will have even higher heritabilities.

This research may also open a new path toward finding specific genes that lead to these desirable behavioral traits in other therapy animals, or even to a better understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms behind cognitive processes in humans.

Knowing more about donkey personality traits will also help.

In sum, the researchers write: “There are donkeys which are more intelligent than others, and the present methodology enables quantifying such differences.”



Study: “Dumb or smart asses? Donkey’s (Equus asinus) cognitive capabilities share the heritability and variation patterns of human’s (Homo sapiens) cognitive capabilities” (link)
Authors: Francisco Javier Navas González, Jordi Jordana Vida, José Manue León Jurado, Amy Katherine McLean, and Juan Vicente Delgado Bermejo
Published in: Journal of Veterinary Behavior, Volume 33, September-October 2019, Pages 63-74
Photo: by JacLou DL via Pixabay 

17 Fascinating Facts About Donkeys: Unveiling the Secrets of These Remarkable Equines

Donkeys have been part of human history for thousands of years.

These sturdy animals have played key roles in farming, transportation, and even warfare across many cultures.

Despite their long relationship with humans, donkeys remain a bit of a mystery to many people.

A group of donkeys grazing in a lush green field, some standing while others lay down, their long ears perked up as they listen to the sounds of nature around them

There’s more to these animals than meets the eye. Donkeys have many surprising traits and abilities that set them apart from horses and other equines. From their unique vocalizations to their problem-solving skills, donkeys are complex and fascinating creatures worthy of a closer look.

1) Donkeys have been domesticated for over 5,000 years

Donkeys graze in a green pasture, some standing while others lie down.</p><p>A small barn and a fence are visible in the background

Donkeys have a long history of living alongside humans.

These helpful animals have been domesticated for over 5,000 years.

Their partnership with people dates back to ancient times.

Humans first tamed donkeys in East Africa.

This happened around 7,000 years ago, which is 3,000 years before horses were domesticated.

Since then, donkeys have played a key role in human societies.

In ancient Egypt, donkeys were very important.

They were used as working animals starting around 3000 BCE.

Egyptians relied on donkeys for many tasks in their daily lives.

Over time, donkeys spread to other parts of the world.

Different cultures found ways to use these strong and patient animals.

They helped with farming, carrying goods, and transportation.

Today, there are about 40 million donkeys worldwide.

They continue to be valuable working animals in many places.

Donkeys have truly stood the test of time as human companions.

2) They have incredible memory, can remember places and other donkeys for decades

A donkey stands in a lush field, surrounded by rolling hills.</p><p>It gazes into the distance, its ears perked up, showing its incredible memory of the land and its companions

Donkeys possess an outstanding ability to remember.

Their memory skills are truly remarkable, allowing them to retain information for long periods.

These animals can recognize places and other donkeys for up to 25 years.

This exceptional memory serves them well in various situations.

Donkeys use their memory to navigate familiar territories with ease.

They can recall safe paths and potential danger zones, helping them avoid hazards.

Their memory also aids in social interactions.

Donkeys can remember other donkeys they’ve met before, even after long periods apart.

This helps them maintain social bonds within their groups.

The incredible memory of donkeys extends to people as well.

They can remember humans who have treated them kindly or unkindly in the past.

This memory ability makes donkeys excellent working animals.

They can learn and remember complex tasks, making them valuable partners in various jobs.

3) A group of donkeys is called a ‘drove’

A drove of donkeys grazes in a sunlit meadow, their ears perked up as they munch on grass

A group of donkeys is known as a drove.

This term is used to describe multiple donkeys gathered together.

Donkeys are social animals that often live in groups.

They find comfort and security in the company of other donkeys.

In some cases, people also refer to a group of donkeys as a herd or a pace.

These terms are used interchangeably with ‘drove’.

A drove of donkeys can be seen in various settings.

They might be grazing in a meadow or traveling together on a road.

Farmers and ranchers often keep donkeys in groups.

This practice allows the animals to interact and form social bonds.

In the wild, donkeys naturally form herds.

These groups are typically led by a dominant male donkey.

Understanding the term ‘drove’ helps people accurately describe groups of these hard-working animals.

It’s a useful piece of knowledge for anyone interested in donkeys or animal terminology.

4) Donkeys are known for their distinctive braying sound

A donkey stands in a green pasture, head raised, emitting a loud braying sound.</p><p>The sun shines down on its brown fur as it calls out to the surrounding area

Donkeys have a unique vocalization called braying.

This sound is different from the neighing of horses or zebras.

Donkeys can bray loudly, and their calls can be heard from far away.

Braying involves a two-part sound.

It often starts with an inhale that sounds like “hee” and ends with an exhale that sounds like “haw”.

This is why people sometimes spell it as “hee-haw”.

Donkeys bray for various reasons, not just when they’re happy.

They might bray to communicate with other donkeys, to show excitement, or to express discomfort.

Male donkeys, called jacks, often bray to attract female donkeys, known as jennies.

The strength and length of a bray can show how fit and strong a male donkey is.

Donkeys have a special ability that allows them to make this sound.

Horses and zebras don’t have this ability, which is why they can’t bray like donkeys do.

5) They have longer ears than horses, which help keep them cool

A donkey stands in a sunny field, its long ears perked up, helping to keep it cool

Donkeys are known for their big ears.

These ears are much longer than those of horses.

The large size serves an important purpose.

Donkeys’ ears help them stay cool in hot weather. Their ears act as a cooling system, allowing heat to escape from their bodies.

The big ears have a large surface area.

This lets more blood flow through them.

As blood moves through the ears, it cools down before returning to the rest of the body.

Donkeys often live in hot, dry areas.

Their ears help them deal with high temperatures.

This cooling ability is very useful in their natural habitats.

The ears also give donkeys great hearing.

They can pick up sounds from far away.

This helps them stay alert to possible dangers.

6) Donkeys can live up to 50 years

A donkey standing in a green pasture, with a peaceful expression, surrounded by other donkeys.</p><p>The sun is shining, and the donkey appears content and relaxed

Donkeys are known for their longevity.

The average lifespan of a donkey is around 25 to 30 years, which is already quite impressive for a domesticated animal.

With proper care and good living conditions, donkeys can live even longer.

Some donkeys have been known to reach 40 or even 50 years of age.

The oldest donkey on record was named Suzy.

She lived to be 54 years old, earning her a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Factors that affect a donkey’s lifespan include diet, exercise, living environment, and regular veterinary care.

Donkeys in captivity often live longer than those in the wild due to better access to food and medical attention.

Their long lifespan makes donkeys excellent companions for humans.

It also means that adopting a donkey is a long-term commitment, as they can be part of a family for several decades.

7) Egyptian hieroglyphs depict donkeys as essential to their economy

Egyptian hieroglyphs show donkeys as vital to the economy.</p><p>Symbols of donkeys carrying goods and working in fields

Ancient Egyptians valued donkeys highly and featured them in their hieroglyphic writing.

These animals played a crucial role in the Egyptian economy and daily life.

Hieroglyphs showed donkeys as pack animals, carrying goods and materials.

They were often depicted alongside other livestock in scenes of farming and trade.

Donkeys were among the most important animals in ancient Egyptian society.

Their strength and endurance made them ideal for transporting heavy loads.

Evidence suggests Egyptians even named their donkeys.

A limestone flake from the Ramesside period (circa 1,295-1,069 BCE) lists donkey names, showing how valued these animals were.

Hieroglyphs also portrayed donkeys in religious contexts.

Some depictions linked them to deities or showed them in funeral processions.

The frequent appearance of donkeys in Egyptian art and writing highlights their economic importance.

These hieroglyphs provide insight into the central role donkeys played in ancient Egyptian society and commerce.

8) They’re incredibly strong and can carry up to 20% of their body weight

Donkeys are known for their impressive strength.

These hardy animals can carry loads weighing up to 20% of their body weight.

This means a typical donkey weighing 500 pounds could potentially carry 100 pounds on its back.

Their strength is similar to that of horses, which can also carry about 20% of their body weight.

Donkeys have been used as pack animals for thousands of years due to this ability.

They can transport heavy loads over long distances and rough terrain.

Their strong backs and sturdy legs make them ideal for carrying supplies in areas where vehicles can’t go.

Donkeys are often used in mountainous regions or places with poor road infrastructure.

While donkeys are strong, it’s important not to overload them.

Carrying too much weight can cause injury or strain.

Proper care and weight distribution are essential for their health and well-being.

9) Donkeys prefer being in pairs and can get lonely without companionship

Donkeys are social animals that thrive on companionship.

They form strong bonds with other donkeys and can become unhappy when kept alone.

Pairing donkeys allows them to form meaningful connections and provides mental and emotional stimulation.

This social interaction is crucial for their well-being.

When kept alone, donkeys may show signs of distress.

These can include withdrawn behavior, drooping ears, and a slumped posture.

Such body language often indicates unhappiness from living alone.

To meet their social needs, it’s best to keep donkeys with at least one companion.

Ideally, this should be another donkey, as they understand each other’s behavior and communication best.

Keeping donkeys in pairs can lead to improved mental and physical health.

It helps reduce stress levels and increases opportunities for socialization.

While donkeys can form bonds with humans and other animals, the companionship of their own species is particularly important.

This social structure mimics their natural herd behavior in the wild.

10) They have a natural immunity to certain types of diseases

A group of donkeys grazing in a lush green field, radiating health and vitality, their robust immune systems evident in their strong and sturdy appearance

Donkeys possess a remarkable natural immunity to various diseases.

This unique trait sets them apart from many other domesticated animals and contributes to their hardiness.

Their immune system is particularly effective against certain parasites that commonly affect horses.

Donkeys can often resist infections from these parasites without showing symptoms or requiring treatment.

This natural resistance extends to some bacterial and viral infections as well.

Donkeys tend to have a stronger immune response to these pathogens compared to horses.

Their robust immune system is partly due to their evolutionary history.

Donkeys developed in harsh environments, which likely contributed to their enhanced disease resistance.

This natural immunity makes donkeys valuable in areas where disease prevention is challenging.

They can serve as sentinels, helping to protect other livestock from certain illnesses.

Despite their strong immunity, donkeys still need proper care and veterinary attention.

Regular health check-ups are important to maintain their well-being and prevent any potential health issues.

11) ‘Donkey’ comes from the old English word ‘doneky’ meaning dull or stupid

The origin of the word ‘donkey’ is not as simple as it may seem.

While some people think it comes from an old English word meaning dull or stupid, this is not correct.

The word ‘donkey’ actually has unclear origins.

It first showed up in English in the late 1700s.

Before ‘donkey’, people used the word ‘ass’ for this animal. ‘Ass’ comes from Latin and is still used in many other languages.

Some think ‘donkey’ might be linked to the word ‘dun’, which means a dull gray-brown color.

This could refer to the color of many donkeys.

Others suggest it may come from a nickname like ‘Duncan’ or ‘Dominic’.

But no one knows for sure where the word really came from.

What we do know is that the idea of ‘donkey’ meaning dull or stupid is not correct.

Donkeys are smart animals, despite what some people think.

12) They are very intelligent and have excellent problem-solving skills

Donkeys possess remarkable intelligence and problem-solving abilities.

They can remember places and faces for years, showcasing their strong memory skills.

These animals excel at finding solutions to challenges they encounter.

For example, when faced with a difficult gate, donkeys will try different methods until they succeed in opening it.

Donkeys demonstrate their smarts through IQ tests, showing a 27.62% variance in results.

This proves they are not simply stubborn, but capable of complex thinking.

Their intelligence extends to social situations as well.

Donkeys can understand emotions of others and form deep bonds, indicating a high level of emotional intelligence.

They also communicate effectively using body language and establish peaceful group hierarchies.

This showcases their ability to navigate complex social structures.

Donkeys are highly observant of their surroundings.

They use this trait to assess situations and make informed decisions, further highlighting their cognitive abilities.

13) Donkeys have a four-beat walk, making them sure-footed on rough terrain

Donkeys confidently navigate rocky ground with their steady, four-beat walk

Donkeys have a unique way of walking called a four-beat lateral gait.

This means each of their feet moves separately in a specific order.

The pattern goes like this: left hind leg, left front leg, right hind leg, right front leg.

This creates a smooth, rhythmic movement as the donkey walks.

This special gait gives donkeys excellent balance and stability.

It allows them to navigate rocky, uneven, or steep terrain with ease.

Donkeys can maintain their footing even in challenging conditions.

This makes them valuable for carrying loads or riders in mountainous areas.

Their sure-footedness comes from more than just their gait.

Donkeys also have strong, sturdy legs and hard hooves that grip well on various surfaces.

These traits, combined with their four-beat walk, make donkeys reliable and safe animals for transportation in difficult landscapes.

14) They have a unique social structure with clear hierarchy and bonds

A group of donkeys stands together, displaying clear hierarchy and strong bonds.</p><p>They interact with each other in a unique social structure, showcasing their fascinating relationships

Donkeys have a fascinating social structure that sets them apart from other equines.

In the wild, they form small groups called herds, usually consisting of one male and several females.

The lead male, known as the jack, plays a crucial role in protecting the herd.

He establishes dominance through various behaviors and vocalizations.

Females, called jennies, also have a hierarchy among themselves.

Donkeys form strong bonds within their herds.

They often engage in mutual grooming, which helps strengthen social ties.

These bonds can last for years, showing the depth of their social connections.

Unlike horses, donkeys are not strictly herd animals.

They can form close relationships with just one or two other donkeys.

This ability to form smaller social units makes them adaptable to different environments.

In domesticated settings, donkeys still maintain their social nature.

They often seek companionship and can become stressed if kept alone.

Providing them with a compatible companion helps maintain their well-being.

15) In some cultures, donkeys are used in therapeutic settings

Donkeys play a unique role in animal-assisted therapy in some parts of the world.

These gentle creatures help people with various physical and emotional needs.

Donkey-assisted therapy sessions aim to build life skills in vulnerable children and adults.

They focus on improving self-esteem, empathy, and emotional management.

The physical traits of donkeys make them well-suited for certain therapeutic tasks.

Their small size and long ears can be helpful for specific interventions.

Donkeys are often calmer than horses, making them good choices for therapy animals.

Their patient nature allows people to feel at ease during sessions.

Some programs use donkeys to help people develop emotional and psychological strength.

These skills can then be applied to real-world challenges.

Researchers are studying how donkeys respond to therapy sessions.

They look at the animals’ behavior and physical reactions during interventions.

As interest grows, more places may start using donkeys for therapy.

This could lead to new ways of helping people with various needs.

16) Their hooves are more elastic than those of horses

Donkeys' hooves flex easily, unlike horses'

Donkeys have unique hooves that differ from those of horses.

Their hooves are more elastic, allowing them to adapt to various terrains.

This elasticity helps donkeys maintain balance and stability on rocky or uneven ground. Donkey hooves are harder than horse hooves, making them better suited for rough surfaces.

The flexible nature of donkey hooves also aids in shock absorption.

This feature reduces strain on their legs and joints when walking or running.

Donkey hooves grow at a rate of 1/4 to 1/2 inch per month.

Regular hoof care is essential to keep them healthy and well-maintained.

The elastic quality of donkey hooves contributes to their sure-footedness.

This trait allows them to navigate challenging landscapes with ease and confidence.

Donkeys’ hooves have evolved to suit their natural habitat.

Their adaptations enable them to thrive in harsh, desert-like conditions where horses might struggle.

17) The average weight of a donkey is between 400 and 570 pounds

A donkey standing in a grassy field, with a weight scale nearby showing a range of 400-570 pounds

Donkeys come in different sizes, but most fall within a specific weight range. Adult donkeys typically weigh between 400 and 600 pounds.

This range covers various breeds and individual differences.

The weight of a donkey can vary based on several factors.

Breed, age, gender, and health all play a role in determining a donkey’s weight.

Some donkeys may be lighter or heavier than the average range.

Standard donkeys, which are the most common, usually weigh between 400 and 500 pounds.

These animals are sturdy and strong, making them suitable for various tasks.

It’s important to note that donkeys are generally lighter than horses.

Their compact build and efficient metabolism contribute to their lower weight compared to many horse breeds.

Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for a donkey’s well-being.

Regular weigh-ins and proper diet management help keep donkeys at their ideal weight.

Donkey History and Origins

A group of donkeys grazing in a lush green field, with a backdrop of rolling hills and a clear blue sky.</p><p>Some are standing together, while others are wandering and exploring the area

Donkeys have a long and fascinating history spanning thousands of years.

Their journey from wild ancestors to domesticated animals has shaped human civilization and agriculture across many regions of the world.

Ancient Domestication

Donkeys were first domesticated around 5,000 years ago in northeast Africa.

The African wild ass is believed to be their wild ancestor.

Ancient Egyptians and Nubians began using donkeys as pack animals and for farm work.

Early donkeys helped transport goods along trade routes.

This made them vital to the growth of early civilizations.

Their strength and sure-footedness were prized traits.

Donkeys spread to other parts of Africa and the Middle East.

Different cultures began breeding them for specific purposes.

Some were bred for riding, others for carrying loads.

Geographical Spread

As trade expanded, donkeys moved beyond Africa.

They reached Europe and Asia by 2000 BCE.

Donkeys came to the Americas with European colonizers in the 1500s.

Donkeys adapted well to varied climates and terrains.

They thrived in hot, dry areas where horses struggled.

This made them popular in arid regions worldwide.

Different breeds developed in various locations.

The Poitou donkey from France and the Mammoth jack from the U.S. are examples.

Each breed had unique traits suited to local needs.

Today, donkeys can be found on every continent except Antarctica.

They continue to play important roles in many cultures and economies around the globe.

Physical Characteristics

Donkeys have distinct physical features that set them apart from other equines.

Their unique build and coat characteristics are adapted for survival in harsh environments.

Size and Build

Donkeys are smaller than horses but larger than ponies.

They typically stand 36-48 inches tall at the shoulder.

Their bodies are compact and sturdy with strong legs and large hooves.

Donkeys have longer ears than horses, which can reach up to 12 inches in length.

These large ears help them stay cool and hear predators from far away.

Their tails are tufted rather than flowing like a horse’s. Donkeys also have a distinctive braying vocalization instead of a neigh.

Unique Coat and Coloring

Donkey coats are coarse and short.

Their hair is stiffer than a horse’s coat.

This helps protect them from harsh weather and insects.

Donkeys come in various colors, including gray, brown, black, and white.

Many have a dark stripe along their back called a “dorsal stripe.” Some also have zebra-like stripes on their legs.

A unique feature of donkeys is the cross-shaped marking on their backs.

This dark stripe runs across their shoulders, intersecting with the dorsal stripe.

Behavior and Social Structure

Donkeys grazing in a peaceful meadow, some napping while others playfully interact.</p><p>A dominant donkey leads the group, displaying social hierarchy

Donkeys have complex social behaviors and communication methods.

They form strong bonds and live in structured groups with distinct dynamics.

Communication Methods

Donkeys use various ways to communicate.

They bray loudly to signal distress or greet others.

Their large ears move to express emotions.

A raised head shows alertness, while a lowered one indicates relaxation.

Donkeys also use body language.

They may bare their teeth when upset.

Tail swishing can mean irritation.

Touching noses is a friendly greeting between donkeys.

Scent plays a big role too.

Donkeys have a keen sense of smell.

They use scent marking to communicate with other donkeys.

This helps establish territory and identify individuals.

Herd Dynamics

In the wild, donkeys live in small groups.

These groups usually have one male, several females, and their young.

This is called a harem structure.

Donkeys form strong pair bonds.

These can last for years or even a lifetime.

They show affection by grooming each other and standing close together.

Social interactions are important for donkeys’ well-being.

They don’t like being alone.

In captivity, donkeys need companionship from other donkeys or animals.

Donkeys can be protective.

They often guard other animals like sheep or goats.

This natural behavior stems from their herd instincts in the wild.